![cover image](https://wikiwandv2-19431.kxcdn.com/_next/image?url=https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2f/MetacentricHeight.svg/640px-MetacentricHeight.svg.png&w=640&q=50)
Metacentric height
Measurement of the initial static stability of a floating body / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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The metacentric height (GM) is a measurement of the initial static stability of a floating body. It is calculated as the distance between the centre of gravity of a ship and its metacentre. A larger metacentric height implies greater initial stability against overturning. The metacentric height also influences the natural period of rolling of a hull, with very large metacentric heights being associated with shorter periods of roll which are uncomfortable for passengers. Hence, a sufficiently, but not excessively, high metacentric height is considered ideal for passenger ships.
![Thumb image](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2f/MetacentricHeight.svg/640px-MetacentricHeight.svg.png)
As long as the load of a ship remains stable, G is fixed (relative to the ship). For small angles, M can also be considered to be fixed, while B moves as the ship heels.